This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Nine Ways To Single Task Because Really, It's What Your Brain Craves

The cat video will still be there when you get back.
One step at a time, baby.
Getty Images/RooM RF
One step at a time, baby.

By now, you're probably aware that your brain wasn't built to multitask.

Somewhere between MSN Messenger's arrival and dog memes, some silly soul decided switching between tasks was a good thing. Except that it's not!

Not only does it kill productivity, but it jeopardises your brain's ability to organise thoughts, and filter out the irrelevant ones. Basically, it causes your brain to be one big hot mess.

So how do you see the light? Practice the act of "single tasking." Here, nine little reminders on how to do just that.

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1. Put down your phone when walking. In fact, lose the phone on your commute altogether. Simply just observe the world around you.

2. Reduce the number of apps, tabs and emails open on your phone or browser before midday.

3. Listen to a podcast from start to finish. That's it!

4. Make time to be still, whether that's by reading a book or meditation. Every. Single. Day.

5. Listen to your partner, friend, relative -- without interruption.

6. Clean your desk. You know it needs it.

7. Don't check your phone for an hour. See how much you get done.

8. Write down a to-do list for the week.

9. Set a bedtime ritual.

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